The players and coaches for Big Blue say no, and if that's the case, there's no way Big Blue can leave Atlanta after Monday night's game insisting that everything they've wanted is still in front of them without a victory.

Here's a look at the matchup:

Giants (1-5) at Falcons (2-4)

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

Monday, 8:15 p.m.

TV: ESPN

Line: Falcons by 4

What's at stake

Giants: At this point, the best Big Blue can hope for is to beat the Falcons and then the Redskins at MetLife Stadium next Sunday. That would put the Giants' record at 3-5 heading into the bye, and with a softer second half schedule, maybe that momentum - and a few breaks along the way - could be what turns this season around.

Falcons: The Falcons are in the NFC South basement, but they are the only team with two wins in the division, and every one of the four contenders has one loss. So this race isn't over by a long shot despite a slow start and the bevy of injuries Atlanta has endured on the defensive side of the ball.

Giants OLB Olivier Vernon vs. Falcons LT Jake Matthews. This is a stalemate showdown, but Vernon - while he didn't have much to show statistically for his work in his season debut against the Eagles - worked over star LT Jason Peters. He pushed him into and collapsed the pocket with power and speed. Vernon was a full participant in practice Friday after being listed as limited with sore ribs the previous day. Matthews has been exceptional in pass protection this season.

How they'll win

Giants: Saquon Barkley could be in line for another big game. The Falcons rely a lot on open field tackling, and to this point, the Giants' rookie running back exploits 1-on-1 matchups. He's a nightmare to tackle in those situations. Barkley is the second player in NFL history to post at least 100 yards from scrimmage in his first six games as a rookie, and he can match Kareem Hunt with his seventh Monday. Eli Manning threw a pair of interceptions against the Eagles. He needs to protect the football, especially if those are not happening on throws downfield. WR Odell Beckham Jr. needs 10 receptions to surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer Frank Gifford (367) for 6th all-time in receptions in franchise history. With 70 receiving yards, Beckham will reach 5,000 for his career. He also needs one 100-yard receiving game to pass Amani Toomer for most 100-yard games in franchise history. TE Evan Engram should return after missing three games. The Giants need to score to keep up with the Falcons and have a chance at winning. They'll make a change up front on the offensive line, moving former Chargers center Spencer Pulley into the lineup. John Greco will slide over to RG and Patrick Omameh heads to the bench. Omameh did not even travel to Atlanta due to a knee injury. Rookie WR Jawill Davis is in concussion protocol, so keep an eye on WR Quadree Henderson, who was promoted from the practice squad. Henderson will likely handle kickoff return duties and could return punts with Beckham as well.

Falcons: The Falcons are averaging 440 total yards and 34.5 points per game at home. They have managed to surpass 100 rushing yards just once this season, during their Week 2 win against the Panthers in which they ran for 170 yards and two touchdowns. Devonta Freeman was placed on injured reserve this week, leaving Tevin Coleman and rookie Ito Smith to carry the load on the ground. That will likely put even more pressure on QB Matt Ryan, who completed 31-of-41 passes (75.6 percent) for 354 yards and three touchdowns against the Buccaneers. Julio Jones had 10 catches for 143 yards, the third time he has gone over the century mark this season. Stunningly, he has been locked down in the red zone and does not yet have a touchdown catch. Former Rutgers star receiver Mo Sanu (hip) is unlikely to play, while rookie Calvin Ridley (ankle) is a strong option to give the Giants fits if he plays. Watch out for TE Austin Hooper, who has been playing well recently. DT Grady Jarrett has an ankle injury that has kept him limited in practice. The Falcons are soft in the middle without linebacker Deion Jones and safety Keanu Neal, both of whom were placed on injured reserve. Former Giants K Matt Bryant booted field goals from 45 and 57 yards last Sunday, but injured his hamstring. Former Raiders K Giorgio Tavecchio was signed this week.